Coast Guard Cutter Hickory tows Sea Hunter

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — The Coast Guard Cutter Hickory currently has the fishing vessel Sea Hunter in tow and is headed to Seward. The vessel became disabled and adrift Tuesday morning.

The Coast Guard received a third party report Tuesday morning that the 48- foot fishing vessel Sea Hunter was disabled and adrift 50 nautical miles south of Middleton Island in the Gulf of Alaska with four people on board. There were no injuries or medical problems but there was concern that the vessel would be left to incoming heavy weather.

The Coast Guard issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast notifying local mariners of the Sea Hunter’s situation and requesting assistance if possible. Additionally a C-130 from Air Station Kodiak and the Coast Guard Cutter Mustang from Seward were launched. The Coast Guard cutter Hickory was diverted from another mission. Due to heavy weather the 110-foot patrol vessel Mustang was returned to base after several hours.

The Good Samaritan vessel Deliverance arrived on scene and attempted to tow the Sea Hunter. The Deliverance is not much bigger than the Sea Hunter at 58 feet. They broke several tow lines through the night and were forced to abandon the tow. They did remain on scene with the vessel to render any other assistance should it be needed. Weather was reported as 15-18 foot seas, 40-45 knot winds and heavy rain.

The Coast Guard Cutter Hickory arrived on scene this morning and took the vessel successfully in a stern tow. They are making progress toward Seward and are expected in to arrive Thursday morning. Weather conditions have not improved much since Tuesday night.